What is this pit in my basement?
cold_feet
| Posted in General Questions on
This one reminds me of the basement well in the movie, The Ring.
Why did the builder build this pit in my basement? It is directly underneath our chimney/fireplace and matches the dimensions of the fireplace above it. We have high radon in the basement for most of the year (I’m already reaching out to companies about sub-slab systems). We also have high humidity levels in the basement during the warmer months. Do you think this is contributing to either/both problems?
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Replies
It looks like it was made to be the foundation for the fireplace, then they realized they didn't need one.
It's either an unused elevator shaft, but it looks too small for that, or more likely, as DC said, a change of plans. Your fireplace and chimney were originally planned to be masonry but were changed to an insert and metal chimney with framed surrounds.
Hellmouth?
LOL
Should it be closed off (e.g., with some plywood and insulation) because of the radon and humidity concerns? Or would it not make a difference?
You could try it, but it's probably a relatively small area compared with the rest of the basement, so closing it off isn't likely to make a big difference in overall radon and humidity levels in the space. If you do seal the rest of the basement though, to help with radon issues, you would need to seal this hole off too.
Bill
I have already sealed & insulated most of the rim joist and planned on finishing the utility room where this pit is, so I'll add this to that project list.
Thank you everyone for the help. Much appreciated.
Also, I'm adding "The Gate," to the horror movie comparisons.
"The Well" might be more fitting :-D
Bill
My mind immediately went to the mid-2000s Doctor Who episode, "The Satan Pit."